DNA barcoding indicates the presence of unrecognized species and phylogenetic diversity within the Biatora vernalis- and B. meiocarpa- groups

Abstract

The Biatora vernalis- and meiocarpa-groups comprise species with pale beige to reddish brown apothecia and 0-, rarely also 1(–3)-septate ascospores. A DNA barcoding approach based on ITS sequences shows that these two groups comprise more species and phylogenetic diversity than previously known. Specimens identified as B. vernalis, the type species of the genus, appear to be paraphyletic with regard to B. chrysantha. In addition, there is a morphologically similar species belonging to the B. meiocarpa-group and tentatively named “B. orientalis” in previous publications. Biatora subduplex has for some time been known to comprise specimens from the B. vernalis-, as well as the B. meiocarpa-group. Similar to the situation in B. vernalis, samples from the meiocarpa-clade form several subclades close to B. meiocarpa. Anatomical studies reveal subtle, but recognizable morphological differences between B. subduplex s.str. and the species in the meiocarpa-clade, but not between the subclades. Here, we describe Biatora orientalis as new to science, raise B. meiocarpa var. tacomensis to species rank and provide revised identification keys for the B. vernalis- and B. meiocarpa-groups.